Trends in Aging: Housing options for area seniors

The Crossroads region is host to a variety of senior living facilities including independent and assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and specialized care facilities.

Seniors often choose to move into independent living facilities if they want to downsize and would like a residence that is easier to maintain. These seniors are still independent and ambulatory but may have minor physical impairments and health issues.

Often, they are attracted by the prospect of new social opportunities to combat their loneliness in a secure environment.

Communal areas may consist of a simple large room, where meals are served and occasional lectures are held.

Sometimes, they include libraries or craft rooms and often the facilities employ an activity director to enhance the social development of its residences.

Independent living facilities may be a good option if:

Only minor assistance is needed with activities of daily living.

You want a home with little or no home maintenance or yard work.

You want to socialize with your peers and broaden your social network.

You want to enjoy activities and meals in the company of others as it is usual for such a facility to have a common dining room where all residents can eat together.

Diane Galarza, Homewood's sales and marketing director, this style of living can best be described as communal living for seniors, which provides supportive services such as meals, transportation, scheduled recreational activities and a variety of concierge services. Homewood also provides supportive services such as assistance with personal needs like medication reminders, running errands and grocery shopping, personal escorts to and from appointments and meals, pet care or extra housekeeping.

Copperfield Village of Victoria is another independent living option with 70 private patio homes.

Copperfield is an independent retirement community, and only residents over 55 years of age live in this secluded, wooded neighborhood. The single-story, one- and two-bedroom homes are built around a community center and include private patios and safety and security features.

Copperfield also offers five-star food in its community dining room with meals based on favorite family recipes and an upscale restaurant-like atmosphere. Another independent living facility is Elmcroft, of Victoria. Both Copperfield Village and Elmcroft are located on Larkspur Streetnear the Victoria Mall.

Wendy McHaney is a certified senior adviser and the owner and director of operations of Senior Helpers. For more information about Senior Helpers, visit seniorhelpers.com/victoria